New York is currently the most taxed state in the nation. It is a number one ranking I, along with many of the residents in our district, am concerned about and would like to see drastically changed. Recently, I have spoken to many of the residents in the 117th Assembly District about what my colleagues and I are doing to address this issue. My answer to these individuals is: personal income tax cuts and unfunded mandate relief.

This year, a middle class income tax cut was included in the state budget. This tax cut will provide decreased personal income tax rates for middle income taxpayers through the year 2025. The cut applies to married filers who earn between $26,000 and $300,000 per year and single filers who earn between $13,000 and $200,000 per year. Once lowered, two new middle class tax brackets will be created with rates of 5.5 percent and 6 percent. The changed tax rates are scheduled to save middle income taxpayers approximately $236 million its first year alone.

While a tax cut for the middle class is always a great place to start, another issue that still needs to be addressed is one I have been adamant about for years. Unfunded mandates have a trickle-down effect that cost local taxpayers thousands of dollars each year. When the state imposes programs upon towns and school districts without providing the necessary funding for them, the burden of paying for these programs is solely on the localities, which then must turn to the taxpayers to foot the bill. For this reason, I co-sponsor Assembly Bill 2338A to ensure that any state-imposed programs on municipalities and school districts are fully funded by the state. State-mandated, but not state-funded programs put local municipalities in a compromising position, and task them with funding programs they rarely have control over.

Putting an end to unfunded mandates and more significant middle income tax cuts are great ways to lower taxes in New York. We have already succeeded in one of these areas and it is time we tackle the other. I welcome your thoughts or questions on taxes within our state or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909.